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Termination of Rental Agreement Amsterdam: Procedure

Complete guide to termination of rental agreement in Amsterdam: steps, laws and local info Court of Amsterdam (Parnassusweg 220) and Legal Aid Office (Vijzelstraat 77). For tenants and landlords.

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Termination of Rental Agreement in Amsterdam: Step-by-Step Procedure

Termination of a rental agreement in Amsterdam means that the rental agreement between landlord and tenant ends before the agreed end date. This can be via a termination declaration, agreement of both parties or a court judgment. The rules are set out in the Rental Act 2015 and the Civil Code (CC). In Amsterdam, the Amsterdam District Court (Parnassusweg 220) handles these cases. This article explains how you as a tenant or landlord in Amsterdam should proceed, your rights and the steps.

What does termination mean for rental in Amsterdam?

Termination ends the rental agreement prematurely. Possible reasons:

  • Force majeure: E.g. large-scale renovation or tenant's financial problems.
  • Fault of a party: Landlord fails to maintain, or tenant fails to pay.
  • Mutual agreement: Both parties want to end it.
  • Court: Upon request via Amsterdam District Court.

In Amsterdam: start with a termination letter, followed by summons to the court. See Article 7:278 CC.

Legal basis in Amsterdam

Main rules:

  • CC Book 7: Lease:
    • Art. 7:278 CC: Termination by landlord in case of rent arrears.
    • Art. 7:280 CC: Tenant in case of defect in habitability.
    • Art. 7:281 CC: Force majeure situations.
  • Rental Act 2015:
    • Art. 7:290 CC: In case of breach of contract.
    • Art. 7:291 CC: Force majeure procedure.

When termination in Amsterdam?

Overview of common cases:

SituationStatuteBy whom?
Rent arrears (2+ months)7:278 CCLandlord
Poor maintenance7:280 CCTenant
Renovation/force majeure7:281 CCLandlord
Nuisance/behaviour7:290 CCBoth
Agreement7:270 CCBoth

Step-by-Step Plan for Termination in Amsterdam

Adapted to local procedure at Amsterdam District Court.

1. Landlord in case of non-payment

Steps:

  1. Establish arrears: Proof of unpaid rent (2 months+).
  2. Send demand: Registered letter with payment deadline (usually 14 days).
  3. Termination declaration: Terminate in writing due to non-payment.
  4. Summons to Amsterdam District Court: Via bailiff, address Parnassusweg 220.
  5. Hearing: Judge decides; if granted, eviction possible.

Tip: Consult Amsterdam Legal Aid Office (Vijzelstraat 77) for free advice.

2. Tenant in case of defects

  1. Report defect: In writing to landlord with proof (photos).
  2. Demand repair: Give reasonable term.
  3. Demand termination: If no action, send letter.
  4. Start proceedings: Summons via Amsterdam District Court.

3. Agreement

Draft written deed, sign, possibly notary. Notify Amsterdam Rent Team for check.

4. Force majeure/renovation

Landlord submits proof; judge weighs tenant's interests (often relocation costs compensation).

Practical Tips Amsterdam

  • Court Location: Parnassusweg 220, 1071 AG Amsterdam. Submit case online via rechtspraak.nl.
  • Help: Amsterdam Legal Aid Office, Vijzelstraat 77 (Mon-Sat by appointment). Amsterdam Rent Team for tenants.
  • Costs: Court fee €85-€500; legal aid possible.
  • Time: Procedure 3-6 months; collection faster.
  • Unique to Amsterdam: Strict rules due to housing shortage; court provides extra protection for tenants.

Avoid Common Mistakes

  • No registered letters: invalid!
  • Self-eviction: punishable.
  • No advice: Legal Aid or lawyer first.